As usual, the agents of government overreact to a non-violent activity. If Mr. Brenton’s beer was not high enough quality for those that lived around him (i.e. the community) then they could have just boycotted his beer, and Mr. Benton would have had to seek income either elsewhere or in some other form. The numerous agents that participated in investigating and arresting Mr. Benton and his son will all probably get promoted for removing competition from the market, I mean, for serving the community.